Congratulations! Your little girl is turning 18! 

In addition to celebrating her birthday, it’s customary to hold a Philippine debut. Most Filipinas and their families have likely been planning for this moment for years, but now it’s a reality, and you’ve got a party to plan. Similar to other coming-of-age parties that mark the transition into adulthood, a Filipina debut is a celebration that takes place on or around her 18th birthday.

For many parents, the Filipina debut is also when their daughter may also start dating and have a boyfriend, which is a whole other side to the celebration. That said, you’ll have plenty of time to deal with those issues — the debut party may be just months away and there’s still a lot of planning to do.

Comprised of various programs that have in modern times shifted towards surprising twists and gimmicks, a Filipina debut is half traditional and half expression; a celebration that acknowledges the past yet looks forward to the future. For the debut itself, that means you can go traditional and modern, mixing and matching your daughter’s favorite traditions and modern activities, as well as what you’d like to see as a parent or guardian.

Generally, the Filipina debut is all about the number 18. Not only is she turning 18, but an entourage of 18 people (or multiples of 18) for the guest of honor is a common sight. After some kind of grand entrance, a waltz known as the grand cotillion dance is commonly performed. Then it’s right back to the number 18 with an 18 roses dance, which can also be reduced down to a nine roses dance. 

Regardless of the theme of the party, which can go in many different directions, a Filipina debut should include many instances of 18 anywhere and everywhere. A more modern debut may elect to follow different dances and rituals than a traditional debut, but the great thing is that other than the importance of the number 18, there are no rules. 

However, resist the urge to throw out the rulebook completely — here are some classic staples and must-haves that you should consider for a Filipina debut.

1. Eighteen Roses

As an everlasting symbol of love, the rose represents affection and the readiness for romance. In a Filipina debut, 18 roses are typically given to the 18 males that are closest to the debutante, and each will dance with her while a song plays. At the end of the dance, a single long-stem red rose is given, at which point the next dance will start. 

The last dance is traditionally reserved for the father or a father figure, though some do the 18 roses ceremony separate from a father-daughter dance. Alternatively, in more modern debuts the father may go first, leaving the last rose and dance for her romantic partner, a suitor or her best friend. Regardless of which approach you decide to go with, you’ll definitely need 18 roses for the celebration.

2. Eighteen Candles

In addition to 18 roses, you’ll also need 18 candles for a Filipina debut. Like the roses are for the males in her life, the 18 candles represent her age and her relationship with her 18 closest female friends. After a quick speech about their relationship with the debutante, a special wish for the guest of honor is given, typically about success, health or the future, before the candle is lit and it’s on to the next speech.

First up is typically the mother of the debutante, and so on down the line until the last speech, which is usually given by the best friend. Some more modern Filipina debuts may swap out the 18 candles for 18 shots of alcohol and 18 friendly toasts, or it can also be separated out as part of another ritual. Either way, the speeches will typically include stories and anecdotes of their time with the debutante, along with a closing wish.

3. Eighteen Treasures

Another more modern convention is to have 18 treasures or symbolic gifts. Given by friends and relatives, each gift is accompanied with a short explanation as to why the gift was chosen and then presented to the guest of honor. Unlike the 18 roses and 18 candles, 18 treasures is a mixed-gender activity where both males and females are encouraged to participate. If the debutante has a different number of participants, it’s best to go with multiples of 18, or down to nine.

Other versions of this ritual include 18 shoes or 18 bills, as well as 18 white roses if the debutante’s father is unable to attend or is missing from her life. In this case a grandfather or another family member may play the role of father in some of the other rituals.

4. Eighteen Shots

As mentioned earlier, some Filipina debuts engage in an activity called 18 shots, where family members and friends raise a glass and toast the guest of honor with well-wishes and a story or anecdote. Keep in mind that because it’s alcohol, no underage drinking should be taking place, especially in a public setting.

That said, the “shots” don’t have to be alcoholic, and those under the legal drinking age can participate with water, cola or another type of nonalcoholic beverage. Additionally, the shots don’t even have to be shots at all, and champagne or other types of alcoholic beverages can be used in place of liquor.=

5. Eighteen Blue Bills

Representing stability and independence, 18 blue bills stands for the Philippine one thousand peso note. Like the 18 treasures convention, 18 blue bills are cash gifts that are given to the debutante along with some sort of explanation and well-wishing. 

Commonly practiced by godparents and grandparents, 18 blue bills is not a traditional part of Filipina debuts, meaning that you can have more fun with it and try out different things that might not be so welcome in other ceremonies.

Host Your Filipina Debut With Occasions4.us

If you’re looking for a venue for an upcoming Filipina debut, let Occasions4.us be your guide. We’ve partnered with five fabulous venues in the Las Vegas area — including The Legacy Golf Club and Wildhorse Golf Club in Henderson, the Spanish Trail Country Club and Aliante Golf Club in Las Vegas, as well as Primm Valley at the California-Nevada border — and our relationships with caterers, event coordinators and photographers means that you won’t have to spend the day organizing and ensuring that everything goes off without a hitch.

Request an event proposal today!